Study: Three holiday shopping predictions
Amid higher costs and other pressures, consumers are expected to scrutinize every dollar spent this holiday season and make more “intentional” trade-offs decisions in every category.
That’s according to Inmar Intelligence’s “2025 Holiday Commerce Forecast,” which predicts that while holiday spending won’t drop, people will spend with purpose, deciding what to cut or keep, planning ahead and focusing on what maters most.
The Inmar report offers the following three seasonal shopping predictions:
Holiday consumers will be discretionary spenders: Eighty-two percent of shoppers say they may try to save on groceries and/or essentials in order to cover other holiday expenses. However, 25% of consumers would be more likely to purchase a higher-priced gift if offered a rebate or cash-back offer.
Inmar data shows that incentive redemptions rise across the board in December — up 19% overall in essential categories like food, meat, and alcohol. Baking — a seasonal centerpiece — is the star of the season with a 222% spike in redemptions. Smart incentives paired with meaningful media will help shoppers preserve moments that matter — ultimately earning attention and share of wallet, noted Inmar.
This will be a healthier holiday season: Holiday indulgence will look different. Sixty percent of shoppers plan to choose healthier foods and drinks this season. Over a third (36%) of households now include someone using weight loss medications or supplements, which inspires different decisions.
The report notes that while alcohol remains a holiday staple, the growth of non-alcoholic options reflects a push for inclusivity and health-conscious celebrations.
Holiday is the biggest moment for multichannel: In 2025, holiday won’t follow a single path as holiday shoppers toggle between in-store, online and mobile touchpoints, often switching channels mid-journey. Holiday shopping will be split almost equally between physical and digital channels. And 40% of holiday shoppers will discover products in one channel, but then purchase in a completely different channel.
In related findings;
- Forty-percent of consumers will use their phone to look up prices or reviews, while 38% will look up products online and then purchase in-store.
- Thirty-seven percent of shoppers will add an item to their list, then buy it later on sale.
- Thirty-three percent will look at a product in-store and then buy it online.
- One-quarter (25%) will buy a product online and pick it up in-store.
